Generative AI tools are undeniably impressive, yet many people, including myself, face challenges in seamlessly integrating them into daily routines.
Google’s Gemini, with its wide array of features and integrations, hasn’t quite become indispensable. How about you? Are you actively using Gemini in your day-to-day tasks?
Google’s Gemini: An Overview
Google has shifted its focus more than ever towards AI, with Gemini playing a central role across multiple functions. Initially introduced as a chatbot similar to ChatGPT, Gemini could generate responses based on prompts.
Over time, it evolved to analyze and generate images, integrate with Google Calendar and Workspace, and now functions as the new assistant on Android, slowly replacing Google Assistant in some cases. Gemini is even embedded into apps like Gmail, creating a more comprehensive AI experience.
Content Generation: Helpful or Hindrance?
For many users, generative AI is primarily useful for creating written content. However, as someone who writes for a living, I don’t find it as efficient. Often, I could write something faster than it takes Gemini to generate, check, and edit a few paragraphs for an email.
Though it might vary for others, the factual inaccuracies in generated content give pause for those relying on it for professional purposes.
Google’s Expanding Vision for Gemini
Despite my reservations, some of Google’s recent additions to Gemini’s capabilities have made the tool more appealing. Instead of solely creating content, Gemini is evolving to understand content, helping users in practical, sometimes surprising ways.
Practical Uses of Gemini
One of the most beneficial aspects of Gemini is its ability to help when I have only a vague idea of what I’m looking for. For example, Gemini is particularly effective at finding words or concepts when I provide a rough description—a feat Google Search didn’t quite master. This has proven genuinely helpful in everyday situations.
On a recent trip, I received an itinerary with event times listed in the 24-hour format, which I find tricky to process quickly. I took a screenshot, uploaded it to Gemini, and asked it to add the events to my calendar.
Within seconds, Gemini converted the times and prepared everything for import, saving me from manual entry. While this was fantastic, unfortunately, when I tried to repeat this success, the tool couldn’t replicate the process.
Issues with Consistency and Trust
This brings me back to my ongoing skepticism about generative AI tools like Gemini. My mistrust isn’t about data privacy but rather about consistency and reliability.
Asking the same question or requesting the same task can yield vastly different results, which can be frustrating. Yet, as AI continues to improve, I’m starting to see where it can offer genuine benefits, despite my occasional doubts.
How About You?
Are you using Gemini? Have you found it useful, or are you facing similar challenges? Let’s discuss how these tools are (or aren’t) making a difference in our everyday lives.
